Posted on 08/12/2005 9:54:22 AM PDT by markderian
MTV or Bust
MTV debuted in New York City in 1981, and as it quickly spread across the country along with the spread of cable television, it soon became known as the network that went against the grain and represented youthful defiance in America. Because of this defiant nature, MTV was not afraid to back down from political controversy.
In 1985, Dee Snider, Frank Zappa, and John Denver testified before the US Senate in response to the Parents Music Resource Center’s goal of censoring records containing improper lyrics. MTV had no qualms about taking the side of these three musical mavericks and their record labels’ right to freedom of speech. Here, MTV stood up to its rebellious image; it fought against the establishment, and fought for the rights of the musicians.
But in the past 24 years, MTV has changed; while still engaging in politics and marketing itself as edgy and anti-establishment, it now presents nothing new or radical to our culture and political scene as it did in 1985—it has become nothing more than established. Beneath the flashy clothes and hip lingo, MTV is no different than any 24 hour news station.
For instance, MTV’s latest engagement in politics consisted of their “vote or die” campaign paraded around as if voting is some great new idea invented by MTV. But voting is something that everyone wants us to do, including Washington politicians. This is because voting allows us feel empowered while doing nothing more than playing into America’s already corrupt political system, and consequently, it won’t change what needs to be changed. Thus voting should be the political antithesis of what MTV’s message is to the youth. In order to truly inspire a generation, MTV must offer new ideas, not exhausted methods. What’s next MTV, a “pawn your guitar for a pair of khakis” campaign?
This much is true: there are imminent problems with this world, and my peers do have the ability to do something about them, but changes won’t come about through voting. MTV, along with the youth, need to offer the world new, radical ideas. But what can we offer?
One idea that has yet to come to total fruition, and one idea that the youth should defend, is the idea of individualism. Individualism regards every man as an independent, sovereign entity who possesses an inalienable right to his own life, which means every man has control over every aspect of his life; so long has he grants the same liberty to others.
We have all heard of individualism before, therefore we may think it is nothing new, but when put into context of the political history of mankind, this idea is still in its infancy. Plus, it goes without saying that it has yet to work its way into mainstream political-speak, and if it is encountered, it is usually in some adulterated, hackneyed form.
We are constantly bombarded with lifeless discourse from media representatives of both parties who offer seemingly different solutions to popular problems of our day. But in actuality, they all share one thing in common: their willingness to introduce the government into some aspect, or some choice in our lives; the powers at be want, either consciously or subconsciously, aim to control us with government intrusion.
Just like the fallen angels of John Milton’s Paradise Lost, politicians of today argue over the legitimacy different evils while never arising to the truth. MTV and our generation have the ability to voice this truth.
History has been characterized by the struggle of sovereignty. For thousands of years, it was thought and well accepted that society is best ruled by a sovereign monarch who has limitless control over the masses, be it a king, sultan, or emperor. Next, and where we find ourselves today, the sovereignty of the group, or democracy, is regarded as the ideal. And while this is better than the sovereignty of the monarch, it is far from the ideal. An uninhibited democracy still allows for the control over the individual, so long as enough people deem it necessary.
If man wishes to advance politically, the introduction of individualism into society is the next crucial step. We must realize that no aspect of anyone’s life is to be voted away by any majority, just as our ancestors realized no aspect of anyone’s life should be revoked by any king. The advent of political freedom of this sort will change the political climate of our world forever, just as the change from monarchy to democracy did the same.
Incidentally, it is a very idealistic endeavor, so it must be left up to society’s most idealistic constituents, the youth, to usher it onto the political stage.
But this is an arduous task, so we need help, and MTV is perfect for this position. We necessitate a powerful media outlet for our voice, and MTV, being the media outlet of our generation, must share these ideas, and ultimately help mankind come upon this truth. Just as MTV fought for the rights of musicians back in 1985, so too should they now fight for the rights of all individuals in 2005.
MTV is in a spiritual coma, but it isn’t dead yet. If MTV wishes to be truly defiant and revolutionary and not just feign it, they must promote individualism and everything that it represents. Taking on a task such as this will prove to themselves, and to the world, that they still aren’t afraid to rock the establishment, alarm a few three-pieces, and put their neck out on the line. This is what MTV needs. This is what my generations needs. This is what the world needs.
'Leading the Way in Lowering Society's Standards for Over 25 years.'
Yes. If only we could return to the edginess of non-stop Hall and Oats videos.
I choose BUST
I'd take that over what they air now.
MTV kicked butt when it first appeared...(I was in love with Martha Quinn).
Now it is relativly pointless junk. Rap or a show.
Nothing else.
Remember when the Who and Stones would announce concert tours?
Reminds of the comment on a South Park episode. Something like, "The netork most responsible for the dumbing down of America's youth".
Yep, MTV is still around. Last time I looked at it, it was all geared toward the 'thug life' gangster hip-hop BS.
MTV GET OFF THE AIR!
I'm old enough to remember when MTV still played music.
Maybe the lovers of MTV should realize it was never cutting edge so much as it was "cutting edge" only in terms of fashion. As MTV has only grown in recognition and power, conservatives have come to power in DC as they never have before. About the only thing MTV and even rock itself have influenced are how people dress because they want to LOOK like musicians, and share the lifestyles they lead (materialism, booze), while completely ignoring the politics these celebs CLAIM to believe in.
What they need is some competition. A new station needs to come along and clean MTV's clock. BRING BACK THE MUSIC!!!
The concept of MTV was created by Mike Nesmith of The Monkees, whose mother invented White Out. They say genius skips a generation.
That's old, dude!
I began boycotting MTV after playing one of their WHAM! videos, still-frame by still-frame. It was so blatant that there was no room for defending it. It was there on the video for all to see, "subliminal" intentions or not.
What people need to do is compain to their cable company, satellite provider or phone company (if they have video services) and tell them that when they originally signed up for the service, they were under the assumption that they would be getting "music channels" and the service provider is now in violation of their contract. If everyone did that, they would either change the programming or offer an alternative.
Me, too. I also remember when "Yo, MTV Raps" was a 1/2 hour show played once a week. Now MTV has nothing but rap and stupid 'reality' shows.
Unfortunately, CMT is also slowly moving away from showing music videos and toward TV shows and movies.
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